Housing

As with any other program, public housing is subject to a variety of fraud:

False reporting of eligibility by tenants is a major problem. Government housing is available to those meeting certain eligibility requirements that generally involve information on one’s income and dependents. When income is underreported or the number of dependents is over-reported in order to qualify for government sponsored housing, it is fraud. This underreporting occurs when the renter fails to disclose income, fails to disclose cohabitation with another who has an income, conceals assets, etc. Over-reporting of dependents occurs when one falsely reports custody of children, provides false, forged or altered school or medical records, etc.

Bribery of government officials or their agents to overlook false eligibility reporting by tenants is another significant problem.

Fraud associated with the construction of public housing is subject to all types of fraud associated with procurement, contracting, contract management and construction in general.

Bribery of housing authority employees or subcontractors. Collect Housing Assistance Payment (HAPs) for properties not owned. Someone improperly poses as the legal agent. Accept HAPs for vacant apartments/homes. Having unauthorized persons living in the apartment/home. Using a voucher while receiving rental assistance from another agency.